Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, remains an enduring figure in American history. His leadership through the Civil War, his stance on slavery, and his tragic assassination are aspects that many learned about in their history classes.
But beyond these well-known facts, there are numerous intriguing details about his life that offer a deeper understanding of this iconic leader.
Let’s delve into some of the lesser-known facts about Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln Facts
1. Abraham Lincoln was the first president born outside of the original thirteen colonies
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a one-room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. This makes him the first president born west of the Appalachian Mountains, marking a shift in the country’s expansion.
Kentucky was not one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States, highlighting Lincoln’s unique origin among early presidents.
This fact underscores Lincoln’s humble beginnings, providing a stark contrast to his eventual role as a national leader.
2. Abraham Lincoln created the United States Secret Service hours before his assassination
The United States Secret Service was established on April 14, 1865, by Abraham Lincoln. Ironically, Lincoln signed the legislation to create the agency for the purpose of combating counterfeit currency, not for presidential protection.
Tragically, later that very evening, Lincoln would be shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre; the Secret Service would only take on the role of presidential protection after his death.
The creation of the Secret Service has become an eerie footnote in the tale of Lincoln’s assassination.
3. Abraham Lincoln had a patent for a device to lift boats over obstacles
An inventor at heart, Abraham Lincoln remains the only U.S. president to have obtained a patent.
The patent, number 6469, was for a device to lift boats over shoals and obstructions in a river, known as a “manner of buoying vessels.” He received the patent on May 22, 1849, but the invention was never manufactured.
Lincoln’s creative mind wasn’t limited to politics and law; he also had a keen interest in mechanics and technology.
4. Abraham Lincoln is enshrined in the Wrestling Hall of Fame
Before embarking on a political career, Abraham Lincoln was known for his wrestling prowess in his home state of Illinois. He only lost once in nearly 300 matches, according to records, which is a testament to his physical strength and tactical skill.
Due to his impressive record, he was later inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with the honor of “Outstanding American.”
Lincoln’s wrestling talents are a surprising aspect of his early life that many people might not be aware of.
5. Abraham Lincoln often stored important documents inside his hat
Lincoln’s iconic stovepipe hat served not only as a fashion statement but also as a personal filing cabinet. The hat was particularly useful for the tall president, who stood at 6’4″, as it kept crucial documents within easy reach.
He would tuck notes, letters, and legal documents in the lining of his hat, making sure important papers were always at hand.
This quirky habit was both a practical solution and a trademark characteristic of Lincoln’s.
6. Abraham Lincoln had a dream about his assassination
According to Ward Hill Lamon, a friend and bodyguard, Abraham Lincoln recounted a prophetic dream he had shortly before his death.
In the dream, Lincoln wandered through the White House to find a mourning crowd and a funeral in progress; when he asked who had died, the reply was the President, killed by an assassin.
The story of Lincoln’s dream has contributed to the mystical aura that surrounds his legacy and assassination.
7. Abraham Lincoln’s voice was surprisingly high-pitched
Contrary to the deep, stentorian voice one might expect from such a historical figure, Abraham Lincoln’s voice was described as high-pitched and clear. His voice, however, was also said to be powerfully resonant, allowing him to reach large audiences without amplification.
Some accounts also describe his speaking style as being very compelling and engaging despite the unexpected pitch.
Lincoln’s eloquence and clarity won over many who heard his famed speeches, regardless of his voice’s timbre.
8. Abraham Lincoln’s last descendant died in the 1980s
Lincoln’s bloodline continued until the late 20th century, with his great-grandson, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. Beckwith passed away in 1985, and he had no children who lived to adulthood, thus marking the end of the biological line.
The Lincoln family legacy, however, continues through the many Americans who are inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s contributions to the country.
Many artifacts, documents, and descendants of siblings and cousins still remain to offer insights into the Lincoln family history.
9. Abraham Lincoln was the only US president to undergo combat while in office
During the Civil War, Lincoln took a more active role than any other president in military matters, even putting himself in harm’s way.
At the Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864, Lincoln came under direct fire, an event unique in presidential history.
He was there to observe, and despite the clear danger, remained on the battlefield longer than the military advisors deemed safe. His willingness to be near the front lines is often noted as evidence of his leadership and personal courage.
10. Abraham Lincoln’s mother died of “milk sickness”
When Lincoln was just nine years old, his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died after consuming milk from a cow that had grazed on poisonous white snakeroot.
The illness, termed “milk sickness,” was not well-understood at the time and led to the untimely deaths of many settlers in the early 19th century. Her death was a traumatic event for the young Lincoln, deeply affecting him and his family.
The tragedy also influenced his perspective on life and death, which would manifest in his later empathy and humanity as president.
11. Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday
While Thanksgiving had been celebrated in various forms, it was Abraham Lincoln who made it a national holiday during his presidency.
In 1863, amidst the Civil War, he called for a day of thanks on the last Thursday in November, hoping to unite the divided nation.
This proclamation followed a decades-long campaign by writer and editor Sarah Josepha Hale to formalize the holiday.
Today’s Thanksgiving celebrations can largely be attributed to Lincoln’s decision to establish a common day for gratitude.
12. Abraham Lincoln had severe depression
Despite his many achievements, Abraham Lincoln suffered from what might now be described as clinical depression. His friends often referred to his melancholic episodes as “the hypo,” short for hypochondria, which in the 19th century context referred to what we consider depression.
Lincoln’s struggles with mental health did not hinder his capacity to lead the nation, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
His ability to function at such a high level despite his personal hardships offers hope and a sense of kinship to those facing similar challenges today.
13. Abraham Lincoln practiced law without a degree
Lincoln’s formal education totaled less than a year, yet he became a self-taught lawyer, passing the Illinois bar examination in 1836.
He read law books to educate himself on legal practices, a common method for many aspiring lawyers of that era.
He went on to have a successful legal career, earning a reputation as an astute and talented attorney before moving into politics.
14. Abraham Lincoln is present on two types of U.S. currency
Abraham Lincoln’s visage is famously depicted on both the penny and the five-dollar bill. The Lincoln penny was first issued in 1909 to commemorate his 100th birthday, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a president’s image.
His portrait on the five-dollar bill has undergone various redesigns since its initial appearance.
These forms of currency serve as daily reminders of Lincoln’s legacy and the values he stood for.
FAQs
Was Abraham Lincoln really that tall?
Yes, Abraham Lincoln stood at 6 feet 4 inches tall, making him the tallest U.S. president as of this writing.
His height was indeed unusual for the time, as the average male height during the mid-19th century was significantly shorter.
Lincoln’s imposing stature was often noted by contemporaries and contributed to his commanding presence.
Did Abraham Lincoln write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope?
Despite popular myth, Abraham Lincoln did not write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope. He carefully prepared the speech before delivering it on November 19, 1863.
However, the myth persists due to its portrayal as an impromptu speech, illustrating Lincoln’s supposed humility and eloquence.
How many states were in the Union when Abraham Lincoln was president?
When Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President in 1861, there were 34 states in the Union. However, the onset of the Civil War led to the secession of 11 Southern states, which formed the Confederate States of America.
Lincoln’s presidency was marked by his efforts to preserve the Union and ultimately bring the seceded states back into it.
Is it true that Abraham Lincoln is the most written-about American?
Abraham Lincoln is indeed one of the most written-about Americans in history. Historians and biographers have been endlessly fascinated by his life, leadership, and legacy, generating a vast array of literature on the subject.
The sheer volume of books, articles, and papers on Lincoln underscores his enduring significance in American culture and history.